In the past, my attempts at unearthing a floral pocket square has been a successful operation in futility. Floral pocket squares are sometimes a rare find. Apologies, allow me to restate that last sentence, floral pocket squares with well-defined character are a rare find. Sure, one can locate a floral pocket square of choice at a local department store, but sometimes the visual presentation leaves more to be desired. However, this mosaic of floral pageantry immediately seized my attention. The pocket squares above were available at the now defunct e-commerce site Clad. I swiftly dove into action and ordered both these offerings from Hickey Freeman without hesitation, as $24.90 was a fair price given that they were on sale. The demure touch of a beautiful floral arrangement in the chest pocket is a fantastic way to balance a decidedly masculine aesthetic. I selected the square in blue because I will be able to coordinate it with a number of suit jackets or blazers. Blue is trending big this spring season, so I was very fortunate to discover this beauty before the stock had been depleted. And fortuitously, the brown version was also still available, so ordered that too. Constructed from a light touch of wool and silk, the generously sized square folds effortlessly into my suit jackets beautifully. Now, perhaps floral arrangements don’t tickle your fancy when it comes to clothing. Nevertheless, I strongly suggest you give it a shot. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with the results.
Yearly Archives: 2013
Boss Hugo Boss – The “Ready Is” Campaign
Gentlemen, the new year has officially commenced, and Hugo Boss wants to know if you are ready. And when we say ready…we mean…really ready. Launching a fresh campaign entitled “Ready Is…”, Hugo Boss wants the gentleman to be ready for whatever life has in store – from looking stylish as temperatures begin their seasonal dip to exuding a sophisticated presence during after-hour social gatherings. Being ready means smartly anticipating your day or night, and thoughtfully considering the things you can do now to make things go smoother later. And this is all accomplished by employing an alluring scent – courtesy of Hugo Boss. Because, when a gentleman feels ready, confidence naturally follows.
For the day, BOSS BOTTLED incorporates a soft, smooth and sophisticated character that subtly extends the wearer’s confident and assertive personality. Apple, cinnamon and vanilla tempered with a combination of sensual woody notes produce a daring, delicately soft and sensual, yet distinctively masculine scent. Come darkness, BOSS BOTTLED NIGHT has a purposeful, edgier character that imbues the wearer with a personal magnetism that attracts others. Infusing him with the confidence that will make him feel irresistible at night, the scent artfully blends rich woody and powerful musky notes in the base.
So, what are you ready for this year? Hugo Boss Fragrance wants you to join the conversation. Share your “readyism” on Twitter using the hash-tag #ReadyIs, or alternatively you can visit readyis.com and share your wisdom there. Submit your comment and enter to win a BOSS bag– and once your readyism is posted, you will receive an email notification from the site. The good people at Nike Communications were kind enough to send me samples of both fragrances, and my preliminary impression is this is a great fragrance to start the new year off with. Be sure to check back here for a full review. Until then, get ready and let us know how you’re ready!
UPTOWN Gentleman: Top It Off With The Right Topcoat
There are but a few wardrobe staples that a gentleman absolutely, positively must possess in his fashion collection. And given the time of season, we have found it appropriate to highlight an indispensable garment that should be hanging in your closet – the overcoat. Sure, you probably have jackets and light wool coats galore, but if you are a gentleman of a mature age, trust me, you really need an overcoat. And by mature age, I mean you are a guy that will find himself in adult situations such as job interviews, weddings, funerals, classy dinners, and the list can go on forever. Therefore, it would be intelligent that you own an overcoat that coincides with the sophistication of the moment – whatever that moment may be. To ensure that you are smartly prepared, here are a few suggestions…
I’ll admit, it took me quite a few years before I invested in a good topcoat. Actually, I invested in two, one in dark navy and the other in camel. And you if you haven’t yet, perhaps it is time you did. Trust me, I wouldn’t steer you in the wrong direction. Check out my topcoat entry over at UPTOWN Magazine and give it some thought.
The Mr Porter Paperback
Esquire has its own style manual. GQ has its own style manual. Hell, even Details has its own style manual. Well, it would now appear that luxury e-commerce site Mr Porter has published its paperback version of a gentleman’s go-to guide for exquisite, impeccable style. Compiled by Mr Porter’s Editor-in-Chief Mr Jeremy Langmead, this style guide is an amalgamation of sound advice that ranges from tips from contemporary style icons to lessons in gentlemanly etiquette that strives to refine your swagger. Mr Porter Paperback: The Manual for a Stylish Life, that’s the full title and it’s only Volume 1, certainly looks the sartorial part. Looks like I will be ordering a copy to add to my book collection – I’m a semi-hoarder. I’ll be sure to check back in with a review. For ordering information, please visit Mr. Porter HERE for more details.
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Black Thought
“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
-Frederick Douglass
As a parent, it is absolutely paramount that you ensure your child’s maturation is nurtured and cultivated for maximal, positive growth. To be certain, there are a myriad of unfortunate realities that work tirelessly to undermine and hinder your child’s development. Harsh realities such as poverty, crime, low self-esteem, bullying, and poor academic performance can lead to self-destructive behavior that regretfully transitions into adulthood. Moreover, if that adult decides to have children, there is a high risk that self-destructive behavior will be consciously or subconsciously transferred to the subsequent generation. Truth: Some of the biggest bullies, critics, and abusers live right in the household. And that is a reality that we cannot tacitly accept. We have to do better. We must become increasingly more active by protecting and educating our youth, ensuring that they are intelligently prepared for the life that awaits them. We have to encourage. We have to impart meaningful wisdom. We have to enlighten them. We must unconditionally love them. We must fortify the integrity of their spirit and reinforce the foundation of their character. They deserve our parenting best – let’s get to work.
The Standard #22
I am perfectly cognizant of the reality that traditions change as time progresses with each successive decade after the last. Behavior and culture from, say, 1950 is decidedly different from that of 2013. Nevertheless, there exists a few key behavioral attributes that have weathered the ever-transforming landscape of gentlemanly conduct. Whether referred to it as displaying the correct etiquette or possessing proper manners; there are certain standards that are resolutely non-negotiable. For instance, it is widely assumed that a gentleman should remove his hat when entering a home, a restaurant, an institution of worship, or any venue that demands deference. Walking into a funeral with your cap twisted to the side? Stop it. Wearing an over-sized cap at the dinner table? Absolutely not! Now, if this is common knowledge to you, I would highly recommended forwarding this post to any guy that is oblivious to this fact. Seriously, you would be surprised, or perhaps not, at the number of men who are unaware of hat etiquette. Now, will the world implode if you rock your hat indoors. Certainly not. But that is not point. It is paramount that a gentleman display proper form, especially in the presence of lady. And it also silently communicates to a young, impressionable male that you have code that entails dignity, respect, and tact – never a bad thing to have.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year ladies and gentlemen. I pray that you have a blessed, prosperous, and safe 2013. Thank you for all your support and readership in 2012, and let’s do bigger things in the year ahead!
The Gentlemen's Standard 